Marketing Connections Partners With The Vernon Company
Vol. 882 
January 5, 2012

Hawaii-based distributor Marketing Connections (asi/261635) has announced the joining of its operations with Counselor Top 40 distributor The Vernon Company (asi/351700). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. "We were looking for a partner who would understand our unique and geographically-diverse client base, and who would have the financial position to support our long-term growth," said Mike Wells, owner of Marketing Connections. "We chose The Vernon Company based on the synergies between our two companies, particularly their flexibility and team approach to client services."

According to the terms of the agreement, Wells and eight other employees will continue to maintain the Marketing Connections corporate identity, while representing The Vernon Company. In turn, Vernon will assume administrative operations and provide marketing and technology support. "The addition of Mike Wells and the Marketing Connections' team gives us a huge lift in this region," said Dave Regan, vice president of sales for Vernon. "It is obvious they are seasoned professionals and know how to best serve this region."

For the last 15 years, Marketing Connections has serviced clients throughout Hawaii and Guam. A fourth-generation family company, Vernon was founded in 1902 and currently employs over 500 people in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Ranked as the 25th-largest distributor in the industry, The Vernon Company reported more than $58 million in North American ad specialty sales in 2010.